Fluid Delivery System For Personal Mobility Devices

ABSTRACT

This invention is a scooter manufactured in combination with a water cannon or a scooter accessory comprising: a scooter having a platform, standard, and handle; a fluid reservoir carried by said scooter in fluid communications with an actuator; a nozzle in fluid communications with said reservoir and carried by said handle so that fluid contained in said reservoir is forced through said nozzle when said actuator is activated. The nozzle can rotate without moving the handle and the actuator can be activated by the rider&#39;s hand or foot and be manual or motorized.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to an amusement device that squirts waterfrom a personal mobility device platform such as a scooter orskateboard.

2. Description of Related Art

Water guns and bubble makers have been around for decades and nowinclude manual pump type water guns, electric water guns, back mountedwater guns, and the popular “Super Soaker”. Examples of water guns andtheir variations can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,214,674; 4,591,071;4,743,030; 4,854,480; and 5,074,437. Examples of bubble makers and theirvariations can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,295,248; 3,861,076;4,775,348; 6,200,184; 6,450,851 and 6,953,376.

Scooters also have been around for decades with some of the firstpatents directed to scooters beginning in the early 1900's. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 1,395,4978 is directed to a platform having a plurality ofwheels that can be ridden by an individual. U.S. Pat. No. 1,516,105 isdirected to a platform having an upright handle with three wheels. U.S.Pat. No. 1,832,018 is directed to a motorized scooter including anupright handle bar, riding platform, and steering bar. U.S. Pat. No.4,821,832 is directed to a motor scooter having a foldable handle and afriction drive system.

When riding a scooter and using a water gun, there are challenges,specifically, one hand is needed for the water gun and the other fordriving the scooter. Obviously, there are safety issues concerningoccupying one hand and the other hand being dedicated to holding andmanipulating the water gun.

It would be advantageous to provide for the ability to squirt waterwhile riding a platform without requiring the elimination of one handfrom the driving process of the scooter.

Further, it would be advantageous to provide for a system that cansquirt water without requiring the hands of the rider to be removed fromthe scooter nor require the handle of the scooter to be rotated tochange the direction of the water.

It would be advantageous to provide for the ability to produce bubbleseither automatically or electrically while riding a skateboard, scooteror other personal mobility device without requiring the rider to usehis/her hands to turn on or off the bubble maker while riding theskateboard.

It would be advantageous to provide for the ability to produce bubbleseither automatically or electrically while riding a skateboard, scooteror other personal mobility device having a fluid reservoir integratedinto the platform of the mobility device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objectives of this invention are accomplished by providing a systemfor providing a scooter manufactured in combination with a water cannoncomprising: a scooter having a platform, standard and handle; a fluidreservoir carried by said scooter in fluid communications with anactuator; a nozzle in fluid communications with said reservoir andcarried by said handle so that fluid contained in said reservoir isforced through said nozzle when said actuator is activated. The nozzlecan rotate without moving the handle and the actuator can be activatedby the rider's hand or foot and be manual or motorized.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A through 1C are perspective views of the invention;

FIGS. 2A through 2D are schematics of portions of the invention;

FIGS. 3A through 3C are schematics of portions of the invention;

FIGS. 4A through 4E are perspective views of components of theinvention;

FIGS. 5A through 5B are perspective views of components of theinvention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective and schematic view of portions of the invention;and,

FIGS. 9A and 9C are perspective views of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a water cannon that can be integrated intoa scooter or attached to a scooter as an aftermarket accessory.Referring to FIG. 1, scooter 10 includes a standard 12 and a handle bar14. A fluid reservoir 17 is carried by the scooter and in oneembodiment, carried by standard 12. Fluid is transferred to a nozzle 16through hose 18. Actuators 20 are used to pump fluid or to activate apump for pumping fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B, the fluid reservoir is attached to orintegrated into the platform that supports the rider. The reservoir canhave one portion 22 that is transparent so that the fluid level can beobserved by the rider by looking at the reservoir through the platform.In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1C, the fluid reservoir isattached under the platform so that it is out of the way and does notinterfere with riding the scooter. There can be one or more reservoirsincluded in the scooter. For example, there can be a standard mountedreservoir for a nozzle mounted on the handle and a platform mountedreservoir for a rearward facing nozzle mounted on the platform.

Referring to FIG. 2A, one pump assembly for transporting fluid from thereservoir to the nozzle is shown. One embodiment of actuator 20 is shownhaving a button 24 that can be pressed in a direction shown as 26. Aspring 28 biases the button in a direction 27 so that the button willreturn to its original position after being depressed. The actuatorincludes opening 30 which is connected to the reservoir and opening 32is connected to the nozzle. When the actuator is activated, fluid willtravel from the reservoir to the nozzle.

In operation, and referring to FIG. 2B, the button is pressed andtravels in direction 26. This creates pressure in a cavity 34. Inreaction to the pressure, valve 36 opens and fluid is forced from thecavity outwards toward the nozzle through opening 32. The next step, asshown in FIG. 2C, spring 28 forces the button in a direction 27. Thiscreates a vacuum in cavity 34 and forces valve 36 to close and valve 38opens. This allows fluid to be drawn into the cavity from the reservoirto fill the cavity so that it can be forced to the nozzle when thebutton is subsequently pressed.

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 2D, the actuator can be operatedthrough a motorized assembly 40. Motorized assembly can include a wheel42 and arm 44. When the wheel rotates, the combination wheel and armcause a plunger 46 to move in a direction shown as 48, creating pressurein the cavity and creates a vacuum in the cavity to force fluid throughthe nozzle and draw fluid from the reservoir.

Referring to FIG. 3A, plunger 46 is forced in a direction 26 by thewheel and the arm when the wheel is turning in a direction shown as 50.Valve 36 is forced open by pressure created in the cavity and valve 38is forced closed. Fluid is forced through opening 32 and through thenozzle. In FIG. 3B, the plunger is moved in direction shown as 27creating a vacuum in the cavity. Valve 38 opens and valve 36 closes sothat the vacuum draws water into the cavity from the reservoir. FIG. 3Cshows the cycle beginning to repeat.

Referring to FIG. 4A, wheel 42 and arm 44 can be driven by a motor 52,such as an electric motor, connected to a switch 54 and power supply 56.When the switch is closed, the electric motor causes the wheel to rotateresulting in fluid being drawn from the fluid reservoir and forced outthrough the nozzle. In one embodiment, the switch 54 can be closed by aremote device that is wirelessly connected to the motor and itselectrical circuit. When the wireless device is used to close the switch54, the motor is actuated, thus causing the wheel 50 and arm 44 to movethe plunger and directing fluid to the nozzle as described above. Itshould be understood that this invention is not limited to a singlenozzle or that the nozzle be mounted only on the handles. Multiplenozzles can be used and nozzles can exist on the front, side or rear ofa scooter. For example, a rear mounted nozzle can be positioned near therear wheel and aimed to spray fluid upwards into a target that ispositioned behind and above the rear wheel.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a nozzle attached to a handle is shown. Thedisadvantages with this design are that the handle bar needs to beturned from position 58 to position 60 so that the nozzle will spray ina direction shown as 62 from its original direction 64. This requiresthat the direction of the scooter be altered simply to change thedirection of the spray of the nozzle.

In FIG. 4C, nozzle 16 is pivotally connected to the handle through pivot66, allowing the nozzle to rotate in a direction shown as 68. A spring70 biases the nozzle in a direction shown as 72 so that, in thisembodiment, the nozzle tends to point to the left of the handles. Lever74, when pressed, causes cable 76 to move in a direction shown as 78.This direction of force is accomplished since the cable is pulled aroundidler 80. Referring to FIG. 4D, the effect of the lever being pressed isshown. When tension is placed on the cable, the nozzle is pulled in adirection 78 resulting in the nozzle rotating counterclockwise andthereby aiming to the right on the handles. Therefore, the nozzle spraycan be aimed without the need to move the handles and interfere with thedirection of travel of the scooter. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 4E,a plurality of levers are connected to the nozzle through cables so thatwhen one lever is pulled, the nozzle rotates and changes the aim of thespray. The levers and nozzle can be arranged so that the right levermoves the nozzle right and the left lever moves the nozzle left, or thedirections can be reversed.

Referring to FIG. 5A, another embodiment is shown wherein a gear isconnected to nozzle 16 wherein nozzle 16 includes teeth 84. When thelever connected to the gear through the cable is pulled, the gearrotates in a direction shown as 86 causing the nozzle to rotate in anopposite direction causing the nozzle to aim to the left. When tensionon the cable is removed, the spring connected to the gear pulls the gearin a direction opposite that of direction 84 and causing the nozzle torotate in direction 86 and aim to the right. In FIG. 5B, the idler isnot present and the cable causes the gear to rotate in a direction shownas 86 when the lever is pulled by switching the connection points of thecable and spring on the gear. In one embodiment, the direction of thegear rotation in response to the lever being pulled can be reversed.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, another embodiment of the invention isshown. In this embodiment, actuator 88 is carried by the rider'splatform and can be activated upon pressure from the rider's foot. Theactuator is connected to a manual pump or electric pump which will forcefluid from the reservoir to the nozzle. Actuator 88 can force fluid tomuzzle 16 carried by the handle or through nozzle 90, or both incombination. In one embodiment, the actuator 92 is a foot pump assemblythat forces fluid from the reservoir out though the nozzle. In oneembodiment, multiple actuators can activate pumps to force water throughmultiple nozzles both individually and in combination through a selectorwhich can open and close valves to only allow fluid to travel to certainnozzles.

This invention is also directed to a water cannon that can be integratedinto a skateboard or attached to a skateboard as an aftermarketaccessory. Referring to FIG. 7, skateboard 110 includes a deck 112,trucks 114, and wheels 116. As is well known in the art, two trucks 114are carried by the underside of the deck 112 and each set of trucksincludes a set of wheels 116. A fluid reservoir 122 is carried by theskateboard and is in fluid communication with the nozzle 118. Fluid istransferred to a nozzle 118 through hose 120. Actuator 124 can be usedto cause fluid to be pumped or to activate a pump for pumping fluid fromthe reservoir 122 through the nozzle 118. In one embodiment, the fluidreservoir 122 is attached to or integrated into the deck 112 thatsupports the rider.

The reservoir can have one portion 122 that is transparent so that thefluid level can be observed by the rider by looking at the reservoir.The fluid reservoir can be attached under or otherwise to the deck. Whenattached under the deck, the fluid reservoir it is out of the way anddoes not interfere with riding the skateboard.

Referring to FIG. 8, one pump assembly for transporting fluid from thereservoir to the nozzle is shown. One embodiment of actuator 124 isshown having a button 126 that can be pressed in a direction shown as125. A spring 128 biases the button in a direction 127 so that thebutton will return to its original position after being depressed. Theactuator includes opening 130 which is connected to the reservoir andopening 132 is connected to the nozzle. When the actuator is activated,fluid will travel from the reservoir to the nozzle.

Multiple nozzles can be used and nozzles can exist on the front, side orrear of a skateboard. For example, a rear mounted nozzle can bepositioned near the rear of the deck and aimed to spray fluid upwardsinto a target that is positioned behind and above the deck.

Referring to FIG. 9A, another embodiment of the invention is shown. Inthis embodiment, actuator 188 is carried by the upper portion of thedeck and can be activated upon pressure from the rider's foot. Theactuator is connected to a manual pump or electric pump which will forcefluid from the reservoir to the nozzle. Actuator 188 can force fluid tonozzle 118 carried by the front portion of the deck or through nozzle190 carried by the rear portion of the deck, or both in combination.

As can be seen in FIG. 9B, in one embodiment, the actuator 192 is a footpump assembly that forces fluid from the reservoir 122 out though thenozzle 118. In one embodiment, multiple actuators can activate pumps toforce water through multiple nozzles, both individually and incombination, through a selector which can open and close valves to onlyallow fluid to travel to certain nozzles.

Referring to FIG. 9C, a receiver 200 can be connected to a pump so thatwhen the receiver receives an “on” command, the pump is actuated andfluid is delivered to the nozzle. A transmitter 202 can include anantenna 204, actuation buttons 206 a and 206 b and at least oneaccelerometer 208. In operation, the transmitter can send commands tothe receiver. If button actuator 206 a is depressed, a front nozzlespray command can be transmitted and the front nozzle would deliverfluid. If the button actuator 206 b is depressed, a rear nozzle spraycommand can be transmitted and the rear nozzle would deliver fluid. Thedirections of the nozzles can be determined by the spatial position ofthe transmitter. For example, the nozzle can be connected to a positionmember carried by the skateboard 110 so that the nozzle can bemechanically positioned in a particular direction by the positionmember. The position member can include gears or a ball and socketassembly for positing the nozzle. By moving the transmitter, theaccelerometer can determine the direction of movement of the transmitterand transmit a movement command to the receive which will in turnactuate the positioning member and point the nozzle in the representeddirection. Nozzles can be positioned in a 360° range of direction. Inone embodiment, the transmitter is integrated into a glove worn by therider. The glove can include safety features such as durable materialfor its construction, securing bands, and impact pads.

Fluid that can be delivered by the nozzles can include dyed fluid, or afluid that interacts with an impregnated material so that when thematerial is moistened with the fluid, the material indicates that thefluid hit the material.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A personal mobility device having a fluiddispenser: a planer substantially rectangular platform for supporting arider standing on the platform; a fluid reservoir carried by saidplatform; a standard attached to said platform; a handle attached tosaid standard; a first nozzle pivotally connected to said handle and influid communications with said fluid reservoir; a second nozzlepivotally carried by said platform and in fluid communications with saidfluid reservoir; a fluid actuator disposed on the platform incommunications with said fluid reservoir that, when actuated, deliversfluid from said reservoir to said nozzles, wherein said fluid actuatoris an electrically powered pump; a receiver carried by said platform andin communications with said fluid actuator; a transmitter carried by arider and in communications with said receiver that, when actuated,causes said transmitter to send a command to said receiver so that whensaid receiver receives said command, said receives actuates said fluidactuator; a first nozzle actuator that, when actuated, positions saidfirst nozzle in a particular direction according to said first nozzleactuator so that fluid is sprayed from said nozzle in a controllabledirection, wherein said first novel actuator is a motorized assembly andin communications with said receiver; and, an accelerometer included insaid transmitter for determining spatial movement of said transmitter,transmitting said special movement to said receiver so that said firstnozzle actuator will position said first nozzle according to saidspecial movement of said transmitter.
 2. The device of claim 1 whereinsaid transmitter is in wireless communications with said receiver. 3.The device of claim 1 wherein said reservoir is attached to saidstandard.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein said reservoir is attachedunderneath said platform.
 5. The device of claim 1 including atransparent portion included in said reservoir so that the fluid levelis visible through said transparent portion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1including a third nozzle carried at the rear of said platform so thatfluid forced through said nozzle and sprays behind said platform.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid is a bubble making solution sothat when said fluid is delivered from said nozzle, bubbles are formed.8. A personal mobility device having a fluid dispenser: a planersubstantially rectangular platform for supporting a rider standing onthe platform; a fluid reservoir carried by said platform; a nozzlepivotally carried by said platform and in fluid communications with saidfluid reservoir; a fluid actuator disposed on the platform incommunications with said fluid reservoir that, when actuated, deliversfluid from said reservoir to said nozzle, wherein said fluid actuator isan electrically powered pump; a receiver carried by said platform and incommunications with said fluid actuator; a transmitter carried by arider and in communications with said receiver that, when actuated,causes said transmitter to send a command to said receiver so that whensaid receiver receives said command, said receives actuates said fluidactuator.
 9. The device of claim 1 including a nozzle actuator that,when actuated, positions said nozzle in a particular direction accordingto said nozzle actuator so that fluid is sprayed from said nozzle in acontrollable direction, wherein said first novel actuator is a motorizedassembly and in communications with said receiver.
 10. The device ofclaim 9 including an accelerometer included in said transmitter fordetermining spatial movement of said transmitter, transmitting saidspecial movement to said receiver so that said first nozzle actuatorwill position said first nozzle according to said special movement ofsaid transmitter.
 11. The device of claim 8 wherein said transmitter isin wireless communications with said receiver.
 12. The device of claim 8wherein said reservoir is attached underneath said platform.
 13. Thedevice of claim 8 including a transparent portion included in saidreservoir so that the fluid level is visible through said transparentportion.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8 including a second nozzle carriedat the rear of said platform so that fluid forced through said nozzleand sprays behind said platform.
 15. A personal mobility device having afluid dispenser: a planer substantially rectangular platform forsupporting a rider standing on the platform; a standard attached to saidplatform; a handle attached to said standard; a fluid reservoir carriedby said standard; a nozzle pivotally connected to said handle and influid communications with said fluid reservoir; a fluid actuatordisposed on the platform in communications with said fluid reservoirthat, when actuated, delivers fluid from said reservoir to said nozzles,wherein said fluid actuator is an electrically powered pump; a receivercarried by said platform and in communications with said fluid actuator;and, a transmitter carried by a rider and in communications with saidreceiver that, when actuated, causes said transmitter to send a commandto said receiver so that when said receiver receives said command, saidreceives actuates said fluid actuator.
 16. The device of claim 15including a nozzle actuator that, when actuated, positions said nozzlein a particular direction according to said nozzle actuator so thatfluid is sprayed from said nozzle in a controllable direction, whereinsaid first novel actuator is a motorized assembly and in communicationswith said receiver.
 17. The device of claim 16 including anaccelerometer included in said transmitter for determining spatialmovement of said transmitter, transmitting said special movement to saidreceiver so that said first nozzle actuator will position said firstnozzle according to said special movement of said transmitter.
 18. Thedevice of claim 15 wherein said transmitter is in wirelesscommunications with said receiver.
 19. The device of claim 15 whereinsaid reservoir is attached underneath said platform.
 20. The apparatusof claim 15 including a second nozzle carried at the rear of saidplatform so that fluid forced through said nozzle and sprays behind saidplatform.